Comments on: Escambia Deputy Cited After Motorcycle Crash

By: Guest

Guest — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 08:09:31 +0000

To M Fox:
Actually they are required to wear their seat belts. Deputies (or any police officers) are required to follow the traffic laws just like everyone else. The only exception to that is the speed law, where they’re allowed to drive 15 MPH over the speed limit if using their lights and sirens to respond to an emergency call. Otherwise they’re required to follow all the traffic laws just like we are. Unfortunately, some of them feel like they’re above the law since they’re law enforcement officers.

By: jeeperman

jeeperman — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:37:35 +0000

Deputy likely driving while distracted.
Way too many electronic gadgets going at the same time at the hand of the driver.
Cell phone and the laptop are very distracting.

By: M Fox

M Fox — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 21:13:41 +0000

Maybe the illegal tinting on their car windows prevents them from seeing motorcycles?

I’m with you on the blinker Robert S. Not using blinkers are a pet peeve of mine. It is a basic form of communication. I asked one time and got the answer that they need to have their hands on the steering wheel and sometimes do not have time to put the blinker on. Also, they are not required to use their seat belts because sometime they have to exit their vehicle quickly to assist in case of accident.

Seems they are like congress… they are charged with enforcing a lot of rules that they do not have to follow.

By: Robert S.

Robert S. — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:52:17 +0000

Perhaps my observations are wrong but it seems that law enforcement rarely uses their turn signals.

Maybe there is a mechanical reason for that, turn flashers tied in with emergency lights or something?

Saw Mr. Larkin, the motorcycle rider, on the news tonight and he’s banged up and very thankful that his injuries were no worse.
Very fortunate and watched over.

By: BT

BT — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:00:47 +0000

You think a higher fine will make a difference? Perhaps the deputy thought, “I really shouldn’t turn in front of a MC, but it’s so dang inexpensive I’d be a fool not to.”

By: No Excuses

No Excuses — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:28:13 +0000

In defense of the deputy, it depends on the time of day. There are many curves in that road, and the sun can be blinding. I got the finger from a motorcyclist that I absolutely did not see and I pulled out in front of him. So, I don’t think the deputy did it on purpose or was being careless. Hope everyone is OK!

By: paul

paul — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 14:19:01 +0000

A Goldwing is a very large motorcycle, There’s no reason a safe driver could miss it..

By: Squirrel

Squirrel — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:38:35 +0000

How does anyone NOT see and turn into the path of a Goldwing, they are lit up more than a neon sign? And when is the State of Florida going to place a harsher penalty for hitting a MC, even if they kill the driver, the penalty is a $166. traffic citation…